EMDR is an advanced psychotherapy requiring a high level of skill. A mental health background is an essential prerequisite for the effective application of EMDR therapy.

Experienced mental health professionals who are fully registered with a professional association can apply to undertake EMDR therapy training if they meet the following criteria:

Medical Practitioners

Psychiatrists need to be registered with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.

General Practitioners are required to have additional training in Psychological Medicine, and be registered with the Medical Board of Australia or the Medical Council of New Zealand.

Mental Health Nurses

Mental Health Nurses are required to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia /AHPRA or in New Zealand with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.

Allied Health Professionals

Psychologists are required to be registered with Psychology Board of Australia or the New Zealand Psychology Board.

Occupational Therapists are required to have additional specialist training in mental health and need to be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia or the New Zealand Occupational Therapy Board.

Social Workers need to be registered with Australian Association of Social Workers or in New Zealand with the Social Workers Registration Board.

Counsellors and Psychotherapists are required to be registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) as a Clinical Mental Health Practitioner or the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) as a Level 3 or 4 member.

In New Zealand Psychotherapists are required to be registered with the Psychotherapists Board. Counsellors are required to be registered with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors as a Level 6 member.

Interns/Students

Students enrolled in a graduate level program in mental health (psychiatry, psychology, social work, counselling, etc.) that are currently involved in the internship portion of their program and are working under the supervision of a qualified mental health professional.

Applicants who do not meet the above criteria can apply on an individual basis to the Board of EMDRAA via the Accreditation & Standards Committee by emailing accred@emdraa.org. Consideration will be given to the applicant’s: